Finding The Right Vet

Adding a puppy to your family can be an amazing event—dogs are incredibly loving and loyal companion, and a new puppy is sure to bond with the whole family. When you get a female puppy, you will have to think about getting her spayed, preferably before she begins having heat cycles. While spaying is a major surgery, there are many benefits, such as never having to worry about unwanted litters of puppies, not having to deal with the hassles that come with a female dog in heat, and an increase in protection against reproductive diseases in your dog. Use the following tips to care for your puppy after she is spayed:

Expect Confusion And Disorientation

While your puppy will be closely monitored after her surgery, the effects of anesthesia may last for several hours after you pick her up. Your puppy may seem confused, disoriented, and may have problems maintaining balance. This is all normal after being spayed—the best thing you can do is carry her to your car when leaving the veterinarian clinic, and make her a soft and comfortable place to rest and sleep while the anesthesia wears off and she recovers from surgery.

Anticipate A Decreased Appetite

The general anesthesia used when a puppy is spayed can make dogs feel nauseous, so your puppy may not be eager to eat her normal dinner. You can try offering your dog small amounts of food—if she refuses to eat or consumes food and then vomits, wait until the next day to offer more food.

Allow Your Puppy To Rest

Puppies are known for being boisterous and having a lot of energy, but after your dog is spayed she will most likely be very tired and lethargic. Don't be alarmed by this change in personality, since it is due to the effects of anesthesia. When your bring your puppy home, don't try to get her to play or be active—rest is the best thing for your dog after surgery, and her playfulness will quickly return after the anesthesia is metabolized.

Take Care Of The Incision

As a puppy parent, it is your responsibility to monitor your puppy's incision site for any signs of infection. Redness, swelling, and pus coming out of the incision are all signs of a problem, and your puppy's vet should be contacted immediately. It is important that your puppy does not scratch, lick, or try to bite the incision area. If your dog won't leave it alone, go to a pet supply store and buy a cone collar for her to wear while she is recovering. 

For more information about spaying your puppy, contact a veterinarian like those at Pitts Veterinary Hospital PC.